Cambridge Drawing Society

The Society is thought to be one of the oldest of its kind, having been founded in 1882 by one Lady Mary Sandys (1855–1937). Meetings initially took place in members’ drawing rooms and later moved to the studio of Mary Charlotte Greene. The early exhibitions were held in the Rate Room of the old Guildhall and the first public exhibition took place in 1906. Throughout its long history the society has fostered the aims of its founding members, 'To encourage the arts of drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture in Cambridge and district and to promote exhibitions of members’ work'. Boasting more than 100 members, both amateur and professional artists, and past members include Gwen Raverat, Cecil Beaton and Ronald Searle. Current exhibitions are held biannually in Spring and Autumn and are staged at the Guildhall.